Group Presentation Formats

Group presentations can take place in different formats. These formats give a group an idea of how to structure their presentation, though different components can be taken from several formats and combined according to a group's particular needs and goals.

Panel Presentation

A panel is a format in which the presenters talk to each other in addition to the audience. Typically the panel will consist of several group members to whom a moderator poses questions. The panel members then present their views on the question and discuss their different answers. The audience has the benefit of viewing this dynamic discussion play out before them. Often questions will also be taken from the audience, so audience members can become involved in the discussion as well. However, with such loose organization, the moderator must maintain control over the presentation and keep the group on topic .

Symposium

A symposium presentation is a group presentation that is essentially a collection of individual presentations covering a broad topic. The topic is broken up into subtopics, and each group member, one after another, makes a presentation on his or her subtopic. All together, the group covers the topic in its entirety. This format is very easy to organize and coordinate as long as each group member remains cognizant of not addressing a different member's subtopic. Since this method can make for a long presentation, the group members must concentrate on engaging the audience and keeping their attention.

Public Forum

Public forum debate can be compared to a nationally-televised debate, such as 'Crossfire' in which the debaters argue a topic. The debate in a public forum is conducted by teams of two people alternating speeches for their side, either affirming or negating their topic. Successful public forum debaters must make persuasive and logical arguments in a manner that is accessible to a wide variety of audiences. Public forum debate also focuses on not only logical, but research based arguments.

Oral Report by Group Leader

In this format, the designated leader of a group makes an individual presentation of the group's thoughts and findings on a topic. The leader may summarize views from several different group members and present points of agreement and disagreement.